A simplified calculation method on the performance analysis of aerostatic thrust bearing with multiple pocketed orifice-type restrictors

This paper describes a simplified performance calculation method of aerostatic thrust bearing with multiple pocketed orifice-type restrictors. It also explains theoretically the influence of film thickness, orifice diameter, gas property, supply pressure, and structural parameters on the bearingʹs performance. Compared to finite element method (FEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), this method is much easier. Furthermore, it simplifies the performance prediction and parameters optimization, and facilitates the application of this kind of bearing.